SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The York University softball team lost a pair of games Saturday by scores of 6-0 to Northwestern College and 4-1 to Briar Cliff.

The Panthers are now 1-9 on the season.

In the first game of the day against Northwestern, the designated visitors jumped on top of York with two runs in the first inning. The Panthers settled in and did not surrender a run in the second, third or fourth frames.

Northwestern plated three runs in the fifth for a 5-0 lead heading into the seventh frame. The Red Raiders tacked on a run in their last at bat for a six-run margin.

For the game, Breanna Underwood was the lone person to reach base – via a walk to lead off the bottom of the first. 

In the circle, Malia Alvarez worked six frames for York. She struck out six batters while walking three in the loss. Faith Torstensen pitched the final inning and gave up one run.

In the nightcap against Briar Cliff, the Panthers broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth inning. Underwood singled to left field and moved to second on Paige Chapman's base hit. A sacrifice bunt pushed each runner up a bag before Kennedie Anderson's single plated Underwood.

Briar Cliff responded with four runs in the bottom of the frame. York had a chance to add to its total in the sixth. Sofia Perez was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a single by Carla Martinez. Sariah Ayala reached on a fielder's choice and a single by Underwood loaded the bags. However, another fielder's choice ended the threat.  

For the game, Underwood was outstanding, going four-for-four with a run scored. Anderson and Martin had two hits apiece while Anderson drove in a run. 

In the circle, Bailey Hardey went the distance. She struck out two in the outing.

The Panthers return to action Friday, March 1 when they face Park University at 1:20 p.m., and Dakota State at 3:30 p.m.